H&LA’s Anthony DiPonio was recently a guest lecturer at Michigan State University’s Hospitality Valuation Course. As an alum of MSU’s School of Hospitality Business, Anthony’s return to the classroom carried added meaning, allowing him to share industry insights with students following a path similar to his own. The Hospitality Valuation Course has traditionally centered heavily

Following the completion of our recent work in the Sherman–Denison area, several notable development initiatives have moved forward, reflecting the market’s strong fundamentals and growing appeal to both national corporations and developers. Sherman is rapidly emerging as a national semiconductor hub. Texas Instruments has opened the first of four planned fabrication plants near US Route

Our recent fieldwork for a project in Anaheim and Orange County, California revealed that the area is on the verge of a major tourism upswing. With international events on the calendar, exciting new attractions, and billions in development underway, the region is preparing for a new era of growth. Here is a look at what

We are excited to share that our President, David Sangree, was recently a guest on the Inspired Stories Podcast for an episode titled “The Power of Niche Expertise: David Sangree’s Hotel and Waterpark Appraisal Success.” David shares his 20-year journey building H&LA, how a clear focus on hotels and waterparks shaped the firm’s growth, and

Based on our recent research for a project in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the area continues to build on its legacy as a hub for tourism, innovation, and family entertainment. From thrilling new rides to major corporate investments and even a Hollywood production, 2025 has been a big year for the region. Here’s a look at the

By: David J. Sangree, MAI, CPA, ISHC Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the annual International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) conference in New Orleans. ISHC is a global network of hospitality experts representing all facets of the industry, from development and operations to finance, appraisal, asset management, litigation, and design. Membership is

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Attending the World Waterpark Association’s (WWA) 45th Annual Symposium & Trade Show at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort was an energizing reminder of just how dynamic and forward-thinking the waterpark industry continues to be. Over several days of sessions, conversations, and trade show visits, we connected with operators, developers, designers, and suppliers—all sharing ideas about how

Indoor waterparks continue to make waves across the recreation landscape. Recreation Management’s latest feature, “Sliding, Surfing & Splashing Indoors,” explores how these year-round destinations are evolving with innovative design, diverse attractions, and smarter operations. Thanks to Recreation Management for including insights from H&LA’s research on new indoor waterpark development in 2025. Published by: Joe Bush/Recreation

H&LA is proud to announce that we received two Leading Edge Awards from the World Waterpark Association for our work on the newly minted OKANA Resort in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and the Bavarian Blast Waterpark in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Being part of these remarkable projects—especially alongside so many exceptional partners whose creativity and expertise brought these destinations

We’re pleased to see our research featured in the latest Recreation Management article, “Making Waves.” The story explores how data and design are shaping the next generation of aquatic facilities nationwide. Thank you to the Recreation Management team for including insights from H&LA’s national database of leisure property performance. Published by: Joe Bush/Recreation Management Published

Our recent research for a project in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area showed that the area continues to thrive as a hub for tourism, entertainment, and investment. From major attractions to transformative developments, here’s a look at what is new and what is coming soon: Mall of America Keeps Reinventing the ExperienceBloomington’s iconic Mall of America

WWA’s Annual Symposium is almost here! H&LA’s David Sangree and Kate Cheung are excited to share their insights at the Waterpark Design, Development, and Expansion Workshop. Their session will dive into key methodologies for planning and evaluating successful waterparks and resort projects.

CoStar recently highlighted declining demand at regional theme parks in “Drop in theme park demand not the thrill ride hoteliers want.” In the piece,  H&LA’s David Sangres, shares insights on how shifting guest behaviors and economic pressures are impacting hotel stays. Published by: Bryan Wroten/Costar News Published date: September 2025 No roller coaster goes up

Our recent research for a project in Orlando, Florida revealed some exciting new hospitality-related developments happening in the area. These developments will have an impact on tourism, employment, and the general economy in Orlando and the surrounding areas in 2025 and beyond. Universal Epic Universe Opens to Major BuzzUniversal’s highly anticipated Epic Universe opened in